JOB APPLICATION KIT – CHILD PROTECTION WORKER

Thank you for your interest in working for the Department for Child Protection and Family Support (the Department). The following information is provided to guide you through our recruitment and selection process.

Working at the Department for Child Protection and Family Support

The Department for Child Protection and Family Support employs over 2000 staff throughout the state in a variety of child protection, corporate and support roles.

There are a diverse range of job roles within the Department that can offer you variety, career progression and professional challenges. And remember, no matter which position you work in, you will be making a direct impact on the lives of children and their families in our community.

The Department’s mission is: To protect and care for children and young people who are in need, and support families and individuals who are at risk or in crisis.

To achieve this, the Department holds the following values: Respect for our clients, each other and our partners. Openness and transparency of our policies and processes. Team work to achieve effective work with children, families and communities, a supportive

workplace, and successful collaboration with partner agencies and communities. Responsiveness to meet the needs of children, young people, families and communities.

The Department for Child Protection and Family Support is committed to the achievement of a diverse workforce and encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, young people, women and people with disabilities.

To be eligible for permanent appointment to the public sector it is essential that you are a citizen or have permanent residency status in Australia.

To be eligible for a temporary appointment (‘fixed term contract’) within the public sector you must have documented evidence of your entitlement to live and work in Australia for the period of the contract.

Writing your application

Your application should include the following, unless otherwise specified in the advertisement:

1. Completed Application for Vacancy form If you are not applying online, please complete an Application for Vacancy form (attached at the end of this document) and forward with your application.

2. Your CV (curriculum vitae)Your CV should focus on information that is relevant to the job you are applying for, and include details of education and training (including qualifications), studies you are currently undertaking and your paid and unpaid work history.

Your CV should highlight your experience and achievements to enable the panel to make an assessment of your experience, skills and qualifications in relation to the position, as this is an integral part in determining those applicants competitive for interview.

3. RefereesYou are asked to nominate two people who are able to confirm your abilities and who can comment on your work experience. At least one referee should be a current or recent line manager.

We recommend you check with your referee before nominating them as a contact, as they may be contacted at any time during the selection process.

4. Work Related RequirementsYou may be asked to submit a covering letter which outlines your skills, abilities and suitability for the position or a written application addressing all or some of the selection criteria outlined in the Job Description Form. Please read the job advert carefully for details of what’s required.

4. Tertiary Qualifications The Department has an established Child Protection Qualifications Framework for assessing the tertiary qualifications of applicants for all Child Protection Worker positions. A copy of the Framework and descriptors can be downloaded from the advertisement for this vacancy.

You are required to provide a copy of your degree certificate and academic transcript with your application as evidence that your qualification has been conferred.

For all qualifications other than a Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Psychology (4 years) or a Qualifying Masters of Social Work you will need to supply unit outlines/descriptors to assist the Specified Calling Qualifications Assessment Committee in assessing your qualification against the Qualifications Framework.

If an assessment of your qualifications by the SCQAC is required, you will be notified in writing if your qualification does not meet Specified Calling eligibility requirements. If you wish to discuss the assessment further please seek feedback from the contact person nominated on the outcome notification letter. If, after this discussion, you wish to have your qualifications further assessed by the SCQAC, you must lodge additional supporting evidence within five (5) working days of notification to request a qualification assessment review.

Please note: original copies of your qualifications will need to be sighted and certified at interview.

5. Overseas QualificationsIf your qualifications were not completed in an Australian institution, you will be required to obtain an Overseas Qualifications assessment.

If you are currently in Australia and have working rights, a comparative assessment from the Overseas Qualification Unit (OQU) must be included with your application.

If you are enquiring from outside of Australia, you can request an Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) assessment, confirming eligibility for membership of the AASW.

Please note: All costs associated with assessment of qualifications are the responsibility of the applicant.

Lodging your application

Please allow sufficient time to prepare and submit your application for the position as applications received after the specified advertisement closing date and time will not be accepted.

It is your responsibility to ensure the full application is received by Human Resources before the closing date and time.

Applications should be submitted by one of the following methods:

Online: Online applications are preferred by the Department.

Click on the ‘Apply for Job’ tab on the jobs board advert.

Please note the maximum file size for each attachment is 2MB. It is also recommended that attachments be in one of the following formats: MS Word, MS Excel, Adobe PDF, JPEG or GIF. Do not attach ZIP or password protected files.

If you experience difficulties while applying online, please contact a Recruitment Officer on (08) 9222 2555 during business hours.

By Fax: (08) 9222 2998

By post: “Confidential Advertised Vacancy” – [VACANCY TITLE] Human Resources, Recruitment Officer

Department for Child Protection and Family Support GPO Box 6334EAST PERTH WA 6892

In person: Human Resources, Recruitment Officer Department for Child Protection and Family Support 1st Floor, A Block 189 Royal Street EAST PERTH WA 6004

Please note: If you are applying for multiple vacancies you will need to submit a separate application for each position.

Have you included?

The completed Application for Advertised Vacancy form, including referees (not required if submitting your application online)

A written response if/as outlined in the advertisement under “How to Apply”

A current CV

Degree Certificate, Transcripts and unit descriptors (if required) demonstrating that your qualification is conferred

Evidence of Australian working rights (if applicable)

After you have lodged your application

After the closing date for applications, the shortlisting and selection process begins. Although many applications may be received, we make every effort to ensure that the following process occurs as quickly as possible.

1. Applications are assessedMembers of the selection panel (usually three members) will assess each application and agree on a “shortlist” of the most competitive applicants. The panel may use other tools to help them finalise this list e.g. referee checks.

2. Further assessment of shortlisted applicantsThe selection panel may then use a variety of methods to gather further information about the shortlisted applicants’ suitability for the position.

In most cases this may be a formal structured interview with the selection panel. Other methods that may be used include: Feedback from your referees Case scenarios or role plays Examples of previous work (e.g. a written

report) Giving a presentation based on information

provided (if relevant to the position) Aptitude, ability or personality tests Work exercises (e.g. producing a computer

document)

3. The Decision

When the selection process is finalised, the selection panel will prepare a report detailing the process and making a recommendation for appointment. This recommendation will take into account the work-related requirements as well as the business and diversity needs of the Department.

For appointment pool processes, suitable applicants will be placed in the pool for a period of 12 months and the appointment pool will be accessed to fill similar permanent and temporary vacancies across the Department.

For advertised positions, applicants who are found suitable through the process may be considered for employment opportunities in similar positions throughout the Department for a 12 month period. This does not mean you application will be automatically considered for positions advertised in the future.

4. Outcome notificationOnce the selection report and recommendation is endorsed, you will be notified of the outcome and provided contact details for the person you can speak with to get feedback regarding your application. You are encouraged to seek feedback as this will help you with future applications and interviews.

The outcome notification will also advise that you have the right to lodge a breach of Standard claim within four working days. The Public Sector Management (Breaches of Public Sector Standards) Regulations 2005 (the Regulations), allow you to lodge a breach claim if you consider the Commissioner's Instruction: Employment Standard has been breached and that you have been adversely affected by the breach.

A breach of Standards claim cannot be lodged on the grounds that you consider yourself more competitive than the successful candidate, but rather it addresses your concerns if you feel that the process has been breached.

Further information regarding the Commissioner's Instruction: Employment Standard and the breach claim process can be found on the Public Sector Commission's website: http://www.publicsector.wa.gov.au/.

Proof of Identity, Department and Criminal Record Checks

You will be required to have a satisfactory criminal record check before you start your employment with the Department. As part of the interview process you may be asked to complete a Record Check Consent Form. You may need to bring original forms of identification to the interview. Applicants must provide valid and current identification to the value of 100 points. The panel chair will advise of the documentation required.

All information is treated in the strictest of confidence and in accordance with the Department’s policy.

In addition, if you are being engaged in a position which will have likely contact with clients, including children, and access to their confidential Department for Child Protection and Family Support records and/or information you will be required to undergo a Department for Child Protection and Family Support client and child protection record check...

International checksInternational checks are compulsory for people who will have contact with clients and/ or children in the CEO’s care or access to client and/or children’s confidential records and who has resided overseas for more than 12 consecutive months anytime in the last ten years, since reaching 18 years of age.

Applicants will be required to provide an international clearance/police certificate (or other relevant document) to the Department. If you do not have a current clearance for any countries in which you have resided you will need to apply to the Embassy or Consulate of the country concerned and request a police check unless you have a recent character requirement police certificate from the relevant country.

You will be responsible for payment of any fees incurred. On receipt of the reply you will need to supply the original to the Department for information. New employees to the public sector are required to pay a fee to effect a National Police criminal record check.

If an International check is required you will be contacted by the Department’s Screening Unit who can assist you with instructions about how you can apply for an international clearance.

Spent convictionsThere is both commonwealth and individual state legislation under which convictions can be regarded as ‘spent’. Police will disclose any relevant ‘spent’ convictions for categories of exemptions under the Spent Convictions Act

(WA) 1988. This Act provides for exemptions to be granted in relation to certain offences and types of employment. The Department for Child Protection and Family Support has an exemption to sight spent convictions.

Adverse criminal record checksA person who has been convicted of the following offence(s), or who has outstanding charges pending, or a warrant outstanding in relation to alleged offences below, is highly unlikely to be employed:

sexual offences offences against children offences of a violent nature offences involving the use of firearms or

other weapons serious drug offences (especially

dealing/trafficking) any other offences which may impact on the

Department’s duty of care towards its clients.

Unless there are extenuating or mitigating circumstances, all of the above offences would normally disqualify persons from being appointed to positions within the Department. An assessment of mitigating circumstances is undertaken.

WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK

A Working with Children Check is a mandatory requirement for certain positions in the Department which involve child related work.

If a position is identified under section 6 of the Working with Children Act 2004 as ‘Child Related Work’ then applicants must have a current Working with Children Check or be able to successfully apply for one to be eligible for appointment to the position. You will need to produce a current valid Working with Children Card as required by Law. More information can be found at www.checkwwc.wa.gov.au

Department for Child Protection and Family Support

APPLICATION FOR VACANCY

Form 008 09//11

1 POSITION DETAILSPOSITION No TITLE FULL TIME PART TIME LOCATION LEVEL

2 PERSONAL DETAILSSURNAME (block letters) Mr Mrs Ms Miss Dr

OTHER NAMES PREFERRED NAME

POSTAL ADDRESS POSTCODE

TELEPHONE AGEPreferred Alternative Email address:

I understand and agree that the Email Address supplied may be used for all correspondence

Under 21 21 or over

3 EMPLOYMENT DETAILS3.1 Are you currently employed in the WA Public Sector? YES (Go to question 3.2)

NO (Go to question 3.3)

3.2 What type of employment status do you have? Permanent Contract of Employment Casual Contract for Service (Non-Employees)

AGENCY SUBSTANTIVE CLASSIFICATION LEVEL

AWARD/AGREEMENT

3.3 Non-Public Sector Applicants: Provide current Employer details (If applicable)

NAME OF EMPLOYER POSITION DATE COMMENCED

3.4 Have you previously been employed at Department for Child Protection and Family Support . YES NO

If “Yes” please state: Date last employed: ...…./……./…… Work Unit: ………..……………. Reason for Leaving: …………………………

3.5 Have you ever received a voluntary severance from the WA Public Sector YES NO

If “Yes”, what is your re-entry date on your Deed of Severance: ……/…../……….

4 ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONTo be eligible for Permanent Appointment to the Western Australian Public Sector it is essential that you are an Australian Citizen or have Permanent Australian Residence status.

To be eligible for Temporary Appointment to the Western Australian Public Sector it is essential that you are an Australian Citizen, have Permanent Australian Residence status OR have a VISA that allows you to work in Australia.

ARE YOU AN AUSTRALIAN CITIZEN/ PERMANENT AUSTRALIAN RESIDENT YES – (Attach Citizenship/Residency documentation) NO

IF “NO”, DO YOU HAVE A VISA THAT ALLOWS YOU TO WORK IN AUSTRALIA? YES - What is your VISA Sub-Class?WHEN DOES IT EXPIRE? …../..…../………

NO (Please attach a copy of your VISA showing permission to work in Australia)

Valid WA Driver’s License: (Note: A valid WA Driver’s License is a Pre-requisite for all Field related positions)Do you have a valid WA Driver’s License? YES - Expiry Date: .…../….../…... NO - Have you applied for a WA Driver’s License? YES - Date applied: .…./..…../….. NO (Please attach a copy of your Driver’s License)

WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK – Required for applicants applying for child-related work in the DepartmentDo you have a current Working With Children (WWC) Card? N/A (not applying for a child-related position) YES - please specify your WWC Identification number:…………and attach a copy of your positive assessment notice to this application form. NO - have you lodged an application for for a Working With Children Check ? YES NO

CRIMINAL CONVICTIONSDo you have any current convictions for any offences FROM ANY COURT, or are you currently the subject of any charge pending BEFORE ANY COURT? You do not need to give details of any conviction which you have had declared spent (WA Spent Convictions Act (WA) 1988).

YES NO If YES please give details

A criminal record does not necessarily disqualify an applicant from being appointed, however Department policy requires successful applicants to be checked.

Have you a current Workers’ Compensation Claim or previously had any Workers Compensation / Insurance Injury? YES NOIF “YES”, please provide details of any Workers Compensation/ Insurance Injury Claim/s:

Employer (if applicable) Insurance company Approx date Nature of injury

1

2

3

To the best of your knowledge and belief are you of sound health? YES NOIf “NO” please give details

Applicants who have a health condition are invited to discuss its relevance or otherwise to their prospects for employment with the selection panel.

5 EQUITY & DIVERSITYThe Department for Child Protection and Family Support is committed to attracting and recruiting a diverse workforce so that we can meet the diverse needs of the community that we serve. Maintaining confidentiality of your Personal Information is of utmost concern to us. This information will be held in confidence and will only be used for the purpose of developing Equal Employment Opportunities to achieve a diverse workforce, policies and programs for our Department and for Government. The provision of this information is optional and will not be used to assess your suitability for appointment.

Are you of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent? YES NO

Are you from a culturally and linguistically diverse background? YES NO

6 ADVERTISED VACANCY

Where did you see this position advertised? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

7 DECLARATIONI declare the above statements to be true in all respects. I acknowledge that any statement, which is found to be false or deliberately misleading, will make me, if employed, liable for disciplinary action including possible dismissal.

Date .......... / .......... / ......... Signature .......................................................................................................................................................

ATTACHMENTS: COMPULSORY: Resume (Include 2 recent Employment Referees)

AS APPLICABLE: Citizenship/Residency Documentation (Where applicable) VISA – showing permission to work in Australia (Where applicable) Valid WA Driver’s License (Where applicable) Note: A valid WA Driver’s License is a pre-requisite for all Child-related positions: eg: Senior / Child Protection Worker. Working with Children Card (Required for all Child-related positions) Address to the Selection Criteria/Work Requirements (Where applicable)

Department for Child Protection and Family Support

Relevant Tertiary Qualification Declaration

Please refer to the position advertisement and JDF for the qualification requirements of this position.

You are required to provide a copy of your degree certificate and academic transcript with your application as evidence that your qualification has been conferred.

Your qualifications and associated documentation will be reviewed to ensure you are eligible to meet the tertiary qualification requirements for the position.

If you have an Overseas Qualification this must be assessed to compare the level of studies undertaken with the Australian Qualifications Framework level of studies. For more information, please contact the Overseas Qualifications Unit, Department of Training and Workforce Development either by Phone: + 61 8 9224 6500 or Email: oqu@dtwd.wa.gov.au

POSITION DETAILSPOSITION Reference No TITLE

PERSONAL DETAILSSURNAME (block letters) Mr Mrs Ms Miss Dr

OTHER NAMES PREFERRED NAME

QUALIFICATION DETAILSQUALIFICATION TITLE QUALIFICATION COMPLETED

Yes NoEDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION WHERE QUALIFICATION OBTAINED LENGTH OF QUAL (In years)

SECOND QUALIFICATION DETAILS (optional)QUALIFICATION TITLE QUALIFICATION COMPLETED

Yes NoEDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION WHERE QUALIFICATION OBTAINED LENGTH OF QUAL (In years)

OVERSEAS QUALIFICATION ASSESSMENTIF YOUR DEGREE WAS COMPLETED IN A NON-AUSTRALIAN INSTUTION, HAS AN OVERSEAS QUALIFICATION ASSESSMENT (OQU) BEEN COMPLETED? Yes No

ATTACHMENTS:

Degree Certificate

Academic Transcript

Unit Outline/Descriptors (not required for Social Work or Psychology Qualifications)

Overseas Qualification Assessment (if applicable)